All Certified Talent Directors agree to uphold these standards as a condition of holding the CTD™ credential.
Preamble
The creator talent management profession requires trust - from the creators who entrust their careers, from the brands who invest their marketing budgets, and from the industry that depends on professional standards.
This Code of Professional Ethics establishes the minimum standard of professional conduct expected of every Certified Talent Director. Violations of this Code may result in investigation, suspension, or permanent revocation of the CTD™ credential.
Standards
Certified Talent Directors shall act in the best interest of their clients at all times. They shall never prioritize personal commission or financial gain over the welfare, career trajectory, or expressed wishes of the creators they represent. All conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly and in writing.
Certified Talent Directors shall communicate all deal terms, compensation structures, and partnership conditions clearly and completely to their clients. They shall never misrepresent rates, audience metrics, performance data, or the terms of any agreement to creators, brands, or any other party.
Certified Talent Directors shall protect all confidential information received in the course of professional practice. Client financial details, deal terms, personal information, and business strategies shall not be shared with third parties without explicit written consent.
Certified Talent Directors shall only represent expertise and capabilities they can deliver. They shall seek guidance, mentorship, or professional assistance when faced with situations beyond their current competence rather than risk harm to their clients.
Certified Talent Directors shall negotiate in good faith with all parties. They shall not make false claims about a creator’s metrics, audience demographics, engagement rates, or past performance to secure partnerships or inflate deal values.
Certified Talent Directors shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including FTC disclosure requirements, contract law, intellectual property rights, tax obligations, and data privacy regulations in every jurisdiction in which they operate.
Certified Talent Directors shall conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation and integrity of the profession. They shall treat all colleagues, competitors, creators, brand partners, and industry stakeholders with respect and professionalism.
Certified Talent Directors shall not misrepresent their CTD™ status, credential number, or standing with The National Talent Board™. They shall report known violations of this Code by other credential holders to The National Talent Board™.
Enforcement
Any person may file a complaint alleging a violation of this Code by submitting a written statement to ethics@nationaltalentboard.org. Complaints must include the name of the credential holder, the nature of the alleged violation, and any supporting documentation.
Credential holders may appeal any finding by submitting a written appeal within 30 days of the decision. Appeals are reviewed by the full Board of Directors, whose decision is final.
